'My son witnessed horrors that no child should ever have to'

Cop who survived dissident murder attempt is honoured

- GRAINNE NI AODHA and CORMAC PEARSON

A SENIOR PSNI detective who was shot in front of his son has spoken publicly for the first time since the gun attack. 

John Caldwell was given a standing ovation at an awards ceremony on Friday night where he thanked his “fantastic family” for their help during his recovery.

The high profile officer was blasted several times in a dissident republican attack and seriously injured as he coached a youth team at a sports centre in Omagh, Co Tyrone in February.

He was presented with the Special Recognition gong at the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards in Belfast.

DCI Caldwell said he was “incredibly honoured” to receive the gong.